Citizen Seed Trial

Introducing the Citizen Seed Trial

Supported by Vancity Credit Union, the Citizen Seed Trial brings growers of all scales into the seed conversation. This is a seed trial that can be done in a small space, with a low time commitment and is a great entry point for beginner seed savers and backyard (or balcony) gardeners.

This year the Citizen Seed Trial is focusing on looseleaf lettuce – with 4 varieties to trial and track. Folks will be walked through planting, care, observations and data collection via emails and social media. Later in the season we’ll be sharing seed saving information so you can take your lettuce from seed-to-seed. This is a great way to learn more about seed growing, indulge your inner scientist and be a part of the growing BC seed community!

What are Seed Trials?

Seed Trials or Variety Trials are a tool to help farmers make informed decisions about what varieties to grow. This is especially important when introducing new crops to their farms.

Seed Trials involve growing out multiple varieties of a single crop, side by side, in an effort to compare their characteristics and see which ones perform best in local conditions. Farmers can grow 10 to 15 varieties (or more!) in a single trial.

Observation is the key to trial success: Which variety has the most seedlings germinate? What performs best under that season’s conditions (hot and dry, cold and wet, snow!)? Which tastes the best?

How the Citizen Seed Trial works

We have been promoting the program and distributing trial packages at select Seedy Saturday events across the province. We had a limited number of packages to mail directly to interested participants. We are out of seed packs now, but don’t despair you can still participate in the Citizen Seed Trial using any four varieties of lettuce. Use your own seed and join us in the seed trial adventure 🙂

Sign up to the email list below and we’ll coach you through the trial and get you growing from seed-to-seed this season. Still not convinced? Read more here.